Cardiac arrest at the gym

Question 1

You sprint over. A bystander is already doing chest compressions on the unresponsive adult. What's the most useful thing you can do first?

Accepted Answer

Tell someone to call 999 (if not done) and fetch the AED, then get ready to swap in on compressions

Answer

Ask them to stop so you can re-check breathing

Answer

Move the casualty to a quieter spot

Answer

Try two rescue breaths first

Question 2

Your turn on compressions. What rate and depth are you aiming for on an adult?

Accepted Answer

100 to 120 a minute, 5 to 6 cm deep, letting the chest fully recoil

Answer

Roughly 60 a minute, pushing as hard as you can

Answer

As fast as possible, shallow and quick

Answer

30 hard compressions then a 30-second rest

Question 3

The AED arrives. What's the very first thing you do with it?

Accepted Answer

Turn it on and follow the voice prompts — keep CPR going until it tells you to stop

Answer

Read the full manual before opening it

Answer

Place the pads first, then turn it on

Answer

Wait for paramedics to arrive and use it

Question 4

The AED says "No shock advised. Continue CPR." What do you do?

Accepted Answer

Resume CPR immediately for another 2 minutes until it re-analyses

Answer

Stop CPR — no shock means the heart is fine

Answer

Take the pads off and try again

Answer

Give two rescue breaths and wait

Question 5

Their chest is sweaty and quite hairy. What do you do before placing the AED pads?

Accepted Answer

Quickly dry the chest with a towel; only shave if there's a razor in the kit and it's a thick mat blocking pad contact

Answer

Skip the AED — it won't work on a hairy chest

Answer

Pour water on the chest first to improve conductivity

Answer

Place the pads over clothing for safety

Cardiac arrest at the gym — free online first aid refresher | Brity®